IDEAfit Pro Show

With over four decades of empowering millions to move, Denise Austin has redefined what it means to make fitness fun, accessible, and sustainable. In this special episode, Amy Boone Thompson talks with the iconic fitness expert and 2025 recipient of IDEA’s Jack and Elaine LaLanne Award. Denise reflects on her groundbreaking career, shares stories of her mentors Jack and Elaine LaLanne, and reveals how she continues to inspire gener...

What does it take to create a thriving, sustainable career in fitness? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Darien Parker and Dr. Erin Nitschke—two powerhouse educators and co-creators of IDEA’s Mentor Network Program. Together, they share their career journeys, the evolution of mentorship in fitness, and how the Mentor Network is shaping the next generation of professionals. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, thi...

Midlife can be a challenging season for many women—but with the right knowledge and support, it’s also a time for empowerment and transformation. In this episode, Dr. Kathleen Jordan, Chief Medical Officer at MIDI Health, shares how fitness professionals can better understand perimenopause and menopause to support their clients holistically. From hormones to lifestyle changes and collaborative care, learn how to make a meaningful i...

At nearly 100 years old, Elaine LaLanne—affectionately known as “Lala”—continues to inspire generations with her energy, wisdom, and heart. In this special episode, the First Lady of Fitness shares unforgettable stories from her life with fitness pioneer Jack LaLanne, her own journey into wellness, and why staying active, having a project, and someone to love is the true secret to longevity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

What if lowering cholesterol was as simple as changing your breakfast? Cardiologist and Step One Foods founder Dr. Elizabeth Klodas joins the show to discuss how clinically proven, nutrient-rich foods can dramatically improve heart health—without relying solely on medication. Drawing from decades of medical experience and a passion for prevention, Dr. Klodas shares the science, strategy, and inspiration behind using food as the fir...

What happens when a fitness professional becomes a millionaire mentor? Meet Loral Langemeier—money expert, best-selling author, and founder of Live Out Loud, Inc.—who started her career in exercise science and built a global financial empire. In this episode, Loral shares her journey from fitness entrepreneur to wealth-building powerhouse and reveals how fitness professionals can take control of their money, protect their IP, and l...

What if the key to movement longevity and athletic performance isn’t in your muscles—but in your feet?

Dr. Emily Splichal is here to revolutionize how you think about movement, balance, and injury prevention from the ground up.

With over 24 years of experience as a functional podiatrist and human movement specialist, Dr. Emily Splichal brings a powerful message to fitness professionals: the feet are your body’s foundation—and the gat...

Get an insider’s guide to the most anticipated fitness conference of the year! Matt Taylor, IDEA’s Director of Events, and Steffi Habermann, Event Coordinator, step out from behind the scenes to walk you through every detail of IDEA World 2025. Whether it’s your first time or your 15th, you’ll walk away with fresh tips on how to plan your sessions, pack like a pro, navigate the expo, and connect with the incredible IDEA community. ...

What if your next level wasn’t about doing more—but leading better? In this powerhouse episode, fitness icons Rob Glick and David Freeman share how purpose, innovation, and servant leadership are transforming the way Life Time empowers coaches, members, and the fitness industry at large.

With a combined 55+ years in the industry, Rob Glick and David Freeman are two of Life Time’s most influential leaders—and their impact goes far be...

What does it mean to truly trailblaze in fitness? For Ruben Pereyra, it means breaking barriers, building community, and creating inclusive programs that bring movement to every stage of life. In this episode, the 2024 IDEA World Trailblazer of the Year shares how he’s changing the way we serve aging populations—and why fitness is about heart as much as health.

With 17+ years in the fitness industry, Ruben Pereyra is leading a movem...

What if the secret to longevity in the fitness industry isn't just science, but soft skills? In this episode, Tyler Valencia shares how trust, adaptability, and mentorship are shaping the next generation of professionals—and why now is the time to elevate education for real-world success.

Tyler Valencia, Ph.D.(c), has been on the front lines of fitness education for nearly two decades. As President of KIPS, a course creator, and lon...

What do you do when your format disappears overnight? If you're Ellen de Werd, you build your own. In this vulnerable and motivating episode, Ellen shares how she turned a pivotal career moment into a thriving global fitness brand—and why authenticity, grit, and representation are at the core of her mission.

With more than 25 years of experience, Ellen de Werd has worn nearly every hat in group fitness—from instructor and manager to...

What happens when a fitness icon and a professional athlete join forces—onstage and off? In this heartwarming and high-impact conversation, Carolyn Erickson and her daughter Juliann Faucette reveal the power of multigenerational mentorship, mindset mastery, and motherhood in motion.

This special Mother's Day episode celebrates the powerful bond between a trailblazing mom and her elite athlete daughter. Carolyn Erickson and Juliann F...

What does it take to stay inspired, impactful, and relevant for over three decades in fitness? Jeff McMullen shares the real story behind his longevity—and why service, self-awareness, and joy are the keys to lasting success.

With over 35 years of experience in fitness leadership, education, and performance, Jeff McMullen has done it all—from high-level club management to starring in workout videos and developing signature classes. ...

In this episode, host Amy Boone Thompson welcomes Whitney Houlin—Director of Fitness at WeGym, content creator, and first-time IDEA World presenter—to share her refreshingly realistic approach to fitness. Whitney opens up about her unexpected journey from elementary school teacher to leading voice in the wellness space and how she's redefining what success looks like in fitness.

She dives into the concept of “setting minimums,” a si...

This week on the IDEAfit Pro Show, host Amy Boone Thompson is joined by international presenter and personal trainer Alessandro Pisanu. Known for his high-energy, music-driven approach to fitness, Alessandro brings his signature style to IDEA World 2025 with three dynamic sessions: Step Fusion, Functional Step, and Functional Bodyweight.

In this episode, Amy and Alessandro discuss the importance of musicality, precision cueing, and ...

Get ready for an insightful and inspiring conversation as host Amy Boone Thompson welcomes Dr. Jonathan Mike to the show. In this episode, we explore Dr. Mike’s approach to smarter strength coaching, progressive overload, and the science of eccentric training—all with a preview of what’s coming to his must-attend sessions at IDEA World 2025.

As a professor, coach, speaker, and researcher, Dr. Mike breaks down what makes training mor...

Welcome to the IDEAfit Pro Show Season 6!

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jan Schroeder. Jan is the event programmer for the 2025 IDEA World Fitness Convention and a professor of Kinesiology at Long Beach State University. Get an exclusive look at what’s in store for this year’s event, including top presenters, session categories, special features, and what makes IDEA World an unforgettable experience.

From streamlined scheduli...

Welcome to Season 6 of the IDEAfit Pro Show!

Host Amy Boone Thompson, CEO of IDEA Health and Fitness Association, shares some groundbreaking initiatives set to shape the future of the fitness industry. From the highly anticipated IDEA World 2025 in Sacramento to the launch of the IDEA Mentorship Network, which connects emerging fitness professionals with industry veterans, this season is full of opportunities for growth.

Tune in for...